This comment comes with a disclaimer: No, I do not hate you. How could I? I don’t even know you.
Now to my suggestion, when you get to Beijing, or if you get to Beijing (there are some possibly interesting detours via Inner Mongolia and northeren Shanxi), go immediately to Lize Qiao long-distance bus station (SW third ring road) and jump on a bus, perhaps to Baoding, perhaps to Shijiazhuang, definitely to Taiyuan. Maybe to one of the smaller places along that south-westerly route. Now, I added to disclaimer because Taiyuan is a fucking shit-hole, and not a particularly friendly place either. But it has its charms, places such as Shuangta Si and Jinci. Also, if it’s somewhere way off the beaten track, Taiyuan’s a good place to try. It has the added advantage of connections to plenty of historic sites, both within and without the city, place connections to more distant areas. It’s off the beaten track, but it’s not a dead end. Be warned: coal mining is the mainstay of the local economy. Heavy industry is second.
I know a great young Uygur guide in Kashgar that speaks Uygur, english and Chinese and really knows his way around. Contact me for details (anyone else for that matter as well)
shit-holes can make for good stories, chris. thanks for the suggestion. and no, i don’t think you hate me. as for the rest of you — those who have not responded — i’m not so sure …
On Apr 21, 2004 6:05 PM, GT_Traveller said:
This should make for an awesome summer! You are living the dream, my man! Have you considered starting by boat over to Dalian, which is suppesed to be pretty nice. A ferry over to Tientsin would allow you to follow the path to Beijing of the Western rescuers during the Boxer Rebellion. Heading to Xi-an would be good, visiting the ancient head of China…. seriously, this should be a fantastic trip. Have you considered contacting CCTV to see if they might want to put a cameraman with you? A little sales job on the possibility for profit selling to the Travel Channel? Or the great pub for China in advance of the Olympics? How could they turn you down? You’re a model, for gosh sakes!! Also, a extensive report on the various beers will be a must - you KNOW you’ll be trying out the pijiu!!
On Apr 30, 2004 12:50 PM, Carroll said:
Wowza! Just found your site from Jian Shuo’s comments about your trip. What an adventure! Being in California, I have, of course, no useful suggestions whatsoever. Being in California, I will, however, become a faithful and fascinated reader of your reports. Go forth, young man, and experience! The world will surely become a smaller and better place for your having been there. Stay safe!
On May 25, 2004 9:26 PM, ttracy said:
Dan, please do not feel it is your obligation to show people that they do not usually see. You are not going to start your own discovery channel, are you? I just hope you will have a relaxing summer.
7 Comments
This comment comes with a disclaimer: No, I do not hate you. How could I? I don’t even know you.
Now to my suggestion, when you get to Beijing, or if you get to Beijing (there are some possibly interesting detours via Inner Mongolia and northeren Shanxi), go immediately to Lize Qiao long-distance bus station (SW third ring road) and jump on a bus, perhaps to Baoding, perhaps to Shijiazhuang, definitely to Taiyuan. Maybe to one of the smaller places along that south-westerly route. Now, I added to disclaimer because Taiyuan is a fucking shit-hole, and not a particularly friendly place either. But it has its charms, places such as Shuangta Si and Jinci. Also, if it’s somewhere way off the beaten track, Taiyuan’s a good place to try. It has the added advantage of connections to plenty of historic sites, both within and without the city, place connections to more distant areas. It’s off the beaten track, but it’s not a dead end. Be warned: coal mining is the mainstay of the local economy. Heavy industry is second.
I know a great young Uygur guide in Kashgar that speaks Uygur, english and Chinese and really knows his way around. Contact me for details (anyone else for that matter as well)
shit-holes can make for good stories, chris. thanks for the suggestion. and no, i don’t think you hate me. as for the rest of you — those who have not responded — i’m not so sure …
This should make for an awesome summer! You are living the dream, my man! Have you considered starting by boat over to Dalian, which is suppesed to be pretty nice. A ferry over to Tientsin would allow you to follow the path to Beijing of the Western rescuers during the Boxer Rebellion. Heading to Xi-an would be good, visiting the ancient head of China…. seriously, this should be a fantastic trip. Have you considered contacting CCTV to see if they might want to put a cameraman with you? A little sales job on the possibility for profit selling to the Travel Channel? Or the great pub for China in advance of the Olympics? How could they turn you down? You’re a model, for gosh sakes!! Also, a extensive report on the various beers will be a must - you KNOW you’ll be trying out the pijiu!!
Wowza! Just found your site from Jian Shuo’s comments about your trip. What an adventure! Being in California, I have, of course, no useful suggestions whatsoever. Being in California, I will, however, become a faithful and fascinated reader of your reports. Go forth, young man, and experience! The world will surely become a smaller and better place for your having been there. Stay safe!
Dan, please do not feel it is your obligation to show people that they do not usually see. You are not going to start your own discovery channel, are you? I just hope you will have a relaxing summer.
you’re gonna die. or get eaten. whatever. good luck!